The North Penn United Way is getting more than $295,000 from a federal food and shelter program for Montgomery County agencies capable of providing mass shelter for the homeless. The Director of Regional Community Impact for the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Wendy David, says the federal government sets certain terms for the funding, but the final decisions are made locally.

“The decisions about how these funds are allocated are made at the local level, where the people involved are attuned to the local needs, so it’s not dictated at the federal level. Washington is not telling Montgomery County how to spend these dollars.”

David says the funding is about six months later than usual, the amount has been reduced compared to last year, and the money must be spent this year. Nonprofit and government-related agencies that want their share must apply to the North Penn United Way no later than Thursday, August 4.